A Royal Fool "Book 2" : Into The Fray

Part 5: Hollow Man

Gaalees and I began our trek through a valley. We had left the knights to find their own way around the mountains, and would meet them on the other side. We walked in tense silence through a desolate land, covered in grey grass and dirt that smelled of ash. Eventually we found a cobblestone trail. My king kneeled and felt the ground before him. "Gaalees?" I said, concerned for my king. He bowed his head and said, "We will come across a ruined village, when we do, do not listen to any voice except for mine, do not let go of my hand, and do not open your eyes." I simply nodded. We walked until we saw a large wooden gate, half burned to the ground. He took hold of my hand and then said, "Close your eyes, and remember Roshtur, don't listen to anything but me, and don't open your eyes." I nodded again and closed my eyes. He led me along what seemed to be a stone path littered with rocks and hay. Soft whispers seemed to float with the chilling breeze. "My love, are you okay?" Gaalees asked. "Yes, but what I hear is frightening." I replied. He simply gripped my hand tighter in response. "They killed everyone!" screamed someone. "My king, what was that!?" I asked. "Hurry!" he said, pushing me along. "It burns!" "No, please no!" "My baby, please not my baby!" screamed the voices, each belonging to someone different. I cried,"Why are they screaming, what's happening?" He did not answer. I stopped and held firm. "What is going on?!" I yelled. "Don't stop now!" he said tensely. I opened my eyes, and saw Death, holding my hand. He looked like a starved man, with long silver hair, and eyes as dark and blue as a lake at night. He looked as if he was handsome and regal, but left to rot in the darkness of the mind. A hollow man. He said, "I told you to keep your eyes closed, my love." I looked around and saw ghosts, each with a sad and angry looks upon their face. One said, "The child of Hollowmore returns, to pass through of course, leave them be," and they vanished. I looked at the hollow man and saw color and fullness return to his eyes, hair, and face. The hollow man was my king, my love.....